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Savory Loaded Grilled Potato Salad with Bacon Ranch

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A smoky, creamy grilled potato salad featuring crispy bacon and a tangy ranch dressing, perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more to thin, dairy-free milk optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil for tossing potatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash (10-15 minutes).
  2. Parboil the cut potatoes in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Optionally save a tablespoon of bacon grease for dressing.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, milk, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust milk for desired consistency and chill until ready.
  5. Toss parboiled potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a grill basket or on aluminum foil with holes poked for smoke to escape.
  6. Grill potatoes for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and slightly charred with grill marks.
  7. In a large bowl, combine grilled potatoes, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, celery, shredded cheddar, and chives.
  8. Pour chilled bacon ranch dressing over the salad and gently fold to coat evenly.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  10. Serve immediately while slightly warm or chill for a couple of hours to meld flavors.

Notes

Parboiling potatoes before grilling is key to ensure they cook evenly without burning. Use a grill basket to prevent potatoes from falling through grates. Adding bacon grease to the dressing adds extra flavor. The salad can be served warm or chilled. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled potato salad, bacon ranch, summer side dish, BBQ salad, smoky potato salad, loaded potato salad

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-loaded-grilled-potato-salad-with-bacon-ranch-recipe-youll-love/